RALEIGH, NC (AP) — The North Carolina Senate’s largest committee has moved along the Republicans’ budget proposal for next year without making changes sought by advocates for the public schools and the prevention of teen smoking and adolescent pregnancy.

The Senate Appropriations Committee agreed Tuesday on a voice vote to recommend the $20.1 billion spending plan, which spends $127 million less than a House budget proposal approved two weeks ago.

Committee chairmen gave the public the chance to speak on the bill before several amendments were taken up.

Kristy Andrews urged senators to set aside money from the national tobacco settlement agreement for youth smoking prevention and cessation programs. Andrews’ husband began smoking early and died from cancer at age 30.

The bill is expected to be voted on Wednesday by the full Senate.

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